Methodology for Analyzing the Territory of a Nature Reserve Area for the Needs of Orienteering

Background. Contemporary geographical science is increasingly focused on applied research with practical significance for natural resource management and spatial planning. In this context, analyzing the potential of Nature Reserve Fund (NRF) territories, also known as Protected Areas, for active cognitive and recreational use gains particular urgency and relevance. An increasingly popular activity connected with the geographical environment is Orienteering – a sport that requires participants to navigate an unfamiliar terrain using only a map and compass to complete a course marked by control points in the shortest possible time. Successful and sustainable orienteering activities necessitate several key territorial attributes: diverse and accessible terrain (topography), the availability of accurate cartographic materials, sufficient territory size/area, high natural diversity (vegetation, landscape features), and, crucially, strict adherence to the conservation limitations imposed by the protected status of the area. Methods. The developed methodology for assessing NRF territories for orienteering suitability comprises the following principal stages: defining specific selection criteria and spatial requirements for suitable territories, balancing sports needs with conservation mandates; comprehensive gathering and analysis of geospatial data on relief (topography), vegetation (forest cover, types), soils, climate, and anthropogenic load (existing recreational pressure); evaluating and mapping environmental limitations and conservation restrictions to identify sensitive zones (e.g., nesting sites, rare plant habitats); developing and updating specialized Orienteering Maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), integrating all collected spatial data; and establishing a database of suitable plots and formulating evidence-based recommendations for the optimal organization and design of courses/distances of varying complexity. Results . A methodology was successfully developed and tested to analyze NRF territories to determine their suitability for orienteering activities. The proposed approach was applied to the Dendrological Park "Oleksandriia" (Bila Tserkva, Ukraine). The analysis highlighted several favorable conditions for this site: convenient geographical location and accessibility, rolling-hilly relief with diverse landscape elements, varied landscape components (forests, meadows, water bodies), well-developed infrastructure, and an extensive trail network. However, the assessment also identified critical constraints related to the park's protected status, including the presence of rare and protected species, a high existing recreational load in certain areas, and the overall NRF status, which demands minimal impact. Based on these findings, specific recommendations were formulated for establishing orienteering courses of varying technical and physical difficulty (e.g., novice, intermediate, and expert). These recommendations emphasize utilizing existing trails where possible and strictly avoiding ecologically sensitive zones. Сonclusions . The methodology has proven its effectiveness in assessing the suitability of NRF territories for orienteering. The territories can be used provided that environmental requirements are met, anthropogenic impact is minimized, and proper planning is carried out. The approach can be applied for further research and practical organization of competitions within the NRF.